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Nova Scotia's Problem Gambling Laws Criticized

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – As reported by the Globe and Mail: "Nova Scotia is not doing enough to keep problem gamblers away from the province's two casinos, critics said yesterday as they responded to the story of a former Cape Breton coal miner who lost $500,000 to slot machines over three years.

"Although Nova Scotia legislation says casino operators must make attempts to identify gambling addicts and bar them from the premises, Paul Burrell's case makes it clear the law is not working, said Dick Murtha, a lawyer leading a planned class-action lawsuit aimed at video lottery terminals.

"…NDP justice critic Kevin Deveaux said the casinos and the government are ignoring their responsibility.

"…Provincial officials have confirmed there are few written guidelines in place to help casino staff enforce the law.

"They say the main way casino staff identify addicts is by allowing them to identify themselves.

"Mr. Murtha said that approach makes the law meaningless…"

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